The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to join the sport community in recognizing Concussion Awareness Week (September 21–27, 2025) — a time dedicated to increasing understanding about concussions, how they happen, and how to best support recovery.
Concussion Awareness Week looks to share continued education in prevention, detection, and management of concussions in Canadian sport. This week, the GTHL is also sharing concussion policies, protocols, and best practices for all participants.
As research and learning continues to evolve around concussions, it’s important to recognize that while every concussion is unique, one thing remains constant: early recognition and proper management are critical.
Spotting the Signs
Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately. They can develop minutes, hours, or even days after the injury. Some common signs include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness, balance problems, or blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling “off,” confused, or unusually emotional
If a player is suspected of having a concussion, the message is clear: “When in doubt, sit them out.”
For more information around concussions, visit the GTHL’s Concussion Education FAQs by clicking here.
The GTHL’s Commitment
The GTHL is committed to ensuring that all players, parents, coaches, and officials have access to the education and resources needed to recognize, report, and properly manage concussions. Through the GTHL’s Concussion Centre, families can find:
- Information on the GTHL Concussion Policy
- FAQs about what a concussion is and how it should be handled
- Resources from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
- Return-to-play guidelines to ensure safe recovery
- Tools for coaches and parents to support young athletes
Hockey teaches resilience, teamwork, and a love of competition — but safety must always come first. Concussion Awareness Week is an important reminder that protecting players’ long-term health protects the game itself.
For more information, visit the GTHL’s Concussion Centre.
